Causality and Chance in Modern Physics

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Exploration of an alternative approach to quantum theory - Rated
In 1952 Professor Bohm proposed an approach to quantum theory that resolved many of the philosophical and interpretational difficulties, and in particular, removed the apparently fundamental randomness of quantum theory. Although this interpretation was accepted as being technically valid, it was met with considerable hostility within the physics community. In this book, published in 1957, Bohm explored and answered many of the objections and criticisms of his proposal, and went on to suggest ways in which the theory could be developed further.

Consequently, while it is excellently written, it is now somewhat dated. There are more comprehensive technical expositions of Bohm's theory (especially "The Undivided Universe" Bohm & Hiley, and "The Quantum Theory of Motion" Holland) At the same time, the philosophical debate has moved on. Nevertheless, it remains a very clear examination of the extent to which either randomness or determinism could ever be regarded as 'fundamental', or are simply artefacts of particular scientific theories. It is a very open book, the intention being more to widen the possible conceptions of what quantum theory might mean, rather than advocating a particular approach to quantum theory as being the "correct" one (it would be much to be desired if other writers on the subject would adopt such an attitude!) It also shows, in later chapters, the genesis of ideas the Bohm was later to explore in "Wholeness and the Implicate Order".